Pali Acton
Experience outdoor education like never before at Pali Institute at Acton! Our immersive, high-desert program is designed for students in K- 12th grade, combining hands-on learning with real-world exploration. Discover what makes Acton a one-of-a-kind destination for agricultural science, history, and hands-on desert exploration.
Our Science-Based Curriculum
The high desert provides an immersive setting for hands-on learning, where students engage in STEM, environmental science, and history-based exploration beyond the walls of a classroom. Designed for K-12th grade, this curriculum aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and brings education to life through interactive, field-based experiences.
Students will excavate real fossils, study rock formations, and explore desert ecosystems to understand the forces that have shaped the land over time. Lessons in ancient engineering, sustainable agriculture, and survival skills connect historical innovations to modern-day problem-solving. Leadership programs challenge students to work as a team, build resilience, and develop critical thinking skills through hands-on problem-solving and outdoor challenges.
Every program is designed to engage students in active learning, critical thinking, and discovery, ensuring they leave with new skills, deeper curiosity, and a lasting connection to the world around them.
Facility & Overnight Accommodations
Spending a few nights in the high desert is an adventure in itself, but that doesn’t mean giving up comfort. Students stay in climate-controlled cabins with built-in bunks and modern restroom facilities, with trained staff ensuring a safe and structured experience. Visiting teachers and chaperones stay in semi-private accommodations with access to a lounge space equipped with Wi-Fi and workstations.
The outdoor environment is designed for both learning and adventure. With miles of trails, dedicated outdoor classrooms, and interactive team-building areas, students will explore, collaborate, and take on hands-on challenges that reinforce their lessons. Whether excavating fossils, engineering ancient structures, or tackling survival skills of the Wild West, every corner of the site is designed to immerse students in real-world learning experiences.
Meals are served buffet-style in a communal dining space, with fresh, kid-friendly options prepared daily. Vegetarian and nut-free selections are available upon request, ensuring every student is fueled for the day’s exploration.
Pali Staffing for Overnight Student Trips
Our highly trained outdoor education staff provides around the clock supervision and instruction, allowing teachers to relax, observe and engage with their students in educational activities. Our instructors have or are pursuing bachelor’s degrees and possess a variety of science and teaching credentials. Our staff must complete a rigorous two-week training before beginning work at Pali and all instructors hold current certifications in CPR & First Aid and Ropes Course Facilitation.
In addition to our instructional staff, we have a full leadership team. This includes staff overseeing logistics and planning, student coordinators who can assist with discipline and any student issues, as well as a medical team that includes a nurse on duty and available 24/7 during your trip. With Pali’s highly qualified team in place, your students will be safely cared for while discovering the wonders of experiential education.
We look forward to you joining us for your trip!
From the forests of Pali Mountain to the high desert of Acton, Pali Institute offers a diverse range of hands-on programs, giving schools the opportunity to return year after year and experience something new with each visit.
For older students seeking a greater challenge, the Pali Trailmasters program features a three-day, two-night backpacking expedition through Acton’s diverse landscape. Each module builds on past Pali experiences, deepening students’ learning through real-world application and outdoor exploration.
Connect with our team today to build a customized trip that aligns with your curriculum goals and meets the needs of your students!